This may be an asshole move, but what would happen if he came without the $30? Just say “Oh yeah, about that, I don’t have it. I spent it making up some flyers to post at the University since I couldn’t get any from you. Sorry.”
Actually this was the approach I put forward. Husband’s a nice guy and figures Dipshit’s problems are no reason to stiff the sound guys. I’m shrewder and meaner. I suppose I’ll make a better lawyer than he will. 
Also, I note that he only gave us five tix to sell. 5x$7=$35, minus $30 for the sound guys. At least we could keep the $5. Yes, finally our big break! :rolleyes:
Hey, sorry we couldn’ t play The Wreck of the Old 97 for ya…
Anway, blah, typical shitty band crap. Stories like these over the years are the reason my husband plays solo, period end of story. Bands are (generally) like a crazy dysfunctional family.
This story reminded me of when I played in a band. I love playing solo, but the band caused a million problems all at once. Several times, something like this happend. Here is my rule: Just because I’m in the band doesn’t mean I have to go on stage, nor does it mean my equipment does.
That rule falls well with the approach of not paying the $30 for the soundguy but…
I would probably go further. Serious. Dickface “leader” can explain in front of the band why he tried to screw over a memeber. I doubt that he would tell the truth, but explain that he never mentioned tickets to you at all, and expects you to sell them all the night before, and see who understands. I am willing to be drummer/old friend will. It’s a little hard to play a show with 1 member missing, even harder if the drummer agrees. Back out. Let dickface explain to the club why he advertised a band and was booked as a band and now is there by himself. Then, maybe, he’ll realize how shitty he acted. (I know, he probably won’t, but I wish dickfaces like that would…)
Brendon
Husband just rocked to a full house. He prides himself on professionalism so he went up there and did what had to be done and the crowd went wild. Dipshit tried to take center stage though and whacked my husband in the face with his shiny new ESP headstock, causing a nosebleed. He cleaned up and went right back onto stage, finished the second set, took his many many compliments graciously, and handed the soundguys the $30.
The processor stood innocently on the loading dock. He grabbed it, replaced it with a box containing Dipshit’s Pod (that my husband repaired) and other miscellany, and walked right out the door. I played Bonnie and made the getaway. The drummer will be apprised of the situation in the a.m. and bring the mics back. Good riddance!
Well as keen as he is to take center stage (see above), I’m sure he’ll have no problem taking over the singing position. I hear the crowd LOVES Iron Maiden sung with Cookie Monster vocals. :rolleyes: (Actually he did a few songs that way, and oddly that was when half the crowd decided they needed a cigarette).
I’m sorry, but every time I see this title I think it’s about a prolific fellatrix. [/hijack]
Clearly this is a lousy arrangement - all the more reason to ensure that everyone is clear about how the money is handled up front. Rule #1 for a band, anyone involved in setting up the gig/providing a space or service for the gig and of course all band members. The fact that the rules required clarification or were adjusted a day before the show is the fundamental problem.
Sounds like you got out clean, but for next time, it is worth getting things clarified up front…
I am soooo going to use these without attribution.
If it only costs you $30 to get this asshole out of your life, you are ahead of the game.
Yeah, husband said the same thing basically.
In that case, I would add:
What did the drummer say to get kicked out of the band?
I’ve got this song I wrote…
So, what do you call a guy who hangs around with musicians?
The drummer…
Everyone’s got one.
Everybody in the business knows it’s the tamborine player who makes the band.
Which is why Dylan’s never written “Hey, Mr. Lead Vocalist, Sing A Song For Me.” 
Nothing to add except shit like this is why I left my lifelong dream of playing in a band. It would sentence me to a life of working with jerks.
Oh, and this: What is the difference between a bull and an orchestra?
How do you know there’s a chick singer at the door?
She can’t find the key and doesn’t know when to come in.
How do you get a guitar player to stop playing?
Put sheet music in front of him.
That’s all I got.
I’m happy your hubby’s out of that band. I’d be mighty pissed too if I were him. Funny thing I’ve seen happen…If there is one guy who has a day job or maybe the better paying day job there’s always someone in the band who feels free to take advantage because “he doesn’t need the money”. I wouldn’t be surprised if this was how dipshit was rationalizing his actions.
I was in a band for a while with a guy who was a freakin’ millionaire. We still split the take and the expenses evenly. He knew he didn’t need the money and I knew he didn’t need it but it’s the principle of the thing.
Wrong. Cowbell!!
How many sopranos does it take to change a lightbulb?
Just one. She holds up the lightbulb and the world revolves around her.
Nothing to add except: I been there too, and I feel for you.
Met musician who set up his own home recording studio in his basement. A really nice space, with soundproofing, good mikes, even a producer’s booth. He did all the carpentry himself, using scrap wood and scrap soundproofing from a place that went out of business. He works full time and doesn’t make much money, so this is just a passionate hobby for him.
His reward is that every band in town wants him to record them, none of them want to pay him since he’s not an official studio, and all of them feel perfectly justified in treating him like he’s the help. He told me that after a year of being the Nice Guy, he’s gotten used to tossing people out on their ear in mid session. “I do this for fun” he told me. “If you’re treating me like crap and abusing my equipment, it’s not fun and you can get lost.”
I’ve personally been screwed out of a lot of time and money too. You have to be pretty careful who you play with these days. Good for you and your husband for getting out while the getting’s good.